An outdoor sauna isn’t just for chilly winter evenings or brisk autumn mornings. In fact, summertime is a surprisingly great season for sauna use, if you know how to adapt your routine. With a few smart tweaks, you can keep your wellness habits going strong even when the sun is blazing.
Whether you’ve just set up your outdoor sauna or you’re thinking about installing one this summer, here are some practical ways to enjoy the heat when the weather’s already balmy.
1. Try Shorter, Cooler Sessions
You don’t need a 20 minute sweat session when it’s already 90 degrees outside. Instead, scale it back. A 10-15 minute session in your infrared sauna or traditional home sauna may be just enough to unwind. You can also lower the temperature setting. The body still responds to consistent heat exposure, even if you’re not pushing the upper limits.
Speaking of heat – how hot is a sauna typically? Traditional saunas often run between 150°F and 185°F, while infrared saunas stay around 120°F to 140°F. On hot days, experiment with gentler heat. Infrared models in particular are easy to fine-tune.
2. Sauna + Cold Plunge = Summer Gold
Use the temperature outside to your advantage by alternating between your sauna and a cold water dip. A quick dunk in a cold plunge tub can turn your outdoor sauna routine into the best kind of contrast therapy session.
It’s a fantastic way to feel invigorated and recharged, and it adds a refreshing and wellness boosting ritual to your routine. If you’re thinking about adding a cold plunge tub near your sauna setup, summer is the perfect time to make it happen.
3. Shift Your Timing
Avoid the hottest parts of the day by moving your sauna sessions to early morning or after the sun goes down. The natural cooler air helps your body tolerate the heat better, and you’ll likely enjoy a more relaxing experience. Sunrise sessions are a great way to start the day with focus and starry nights add an extra element of calm.
4. Create a Cool-Down Zone
Set up a shady spot near your outdoor sauna with seating, cold beverages, and fresh towels. This gives you a place to relax after your session and cool off gradually without heading right back inside. Add a small outdoor fan, some music, or a misting system for bonus comfort.
Pro tip: chilled towels stored in a cooler add a spa-worthy finishing touch.
5. Make It Social
Your outdoor sauna can be the heart of summer hangouts. Invite friends over for a sauna-and-sips night with sparkling water, herbal teas, or electrolyte drinks. Set up a shady area nearby with towels, chairs, and snacks. The slower pace of summer is ideal for adding more social wellness to your routine. An outdoor sauna can become a central gathering spot, not just a personal retreat.
Summer doesn’t have to slow down your sauna routine. With a few smart changes, your outdoor sauna can stay part of your wellness rhythm all year. And if you’re still deciding between an infrared vs traditional sauna for backyard use, now’s a great time to talk options. Stop into Everything Billiards, your local sauna store in Greensboro, Winston Salem, Charlotte, and Huntersville and talk to our knowledgeable team.
